Americans will mark the 25 and anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. To celebrate this milestone, the Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative at UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies is leading a yearlong effort known as UT Together: Reading 1776.
Reading lists for all ages
The initiative offers reading lists for K-12 students and adults to supplement their study of 1776.
Exploring McCullough's historical narrative
The program features David McCullough's book, 1776, which examines the pivotal year when American colonists fought for independence from British rule. The narrative details George Washington's transformation from an inexperienced military commander into a determined leader despite facing professional British forces that often outnumbered his poorly equipped and underfunded Continental Army.
McCullough's work describes how farmers and merchants became soldiers while enduring constant danger and harsh weather. Through accounts from both American and British perspectives, the book illustrates how close the Revolution came to failure and how Washington's strategic thinking helped keep the cause of independence alive.
Available educational resources and guides
As part of the UT Together: Reading 1776 effort, resources are available including a reading guide and discussion questions for both the Declaration of Independence and McCullough's 1776. These materials are intended for use in classrooms, book clubs, or public reading activities, and can be adapted by parents for home use.
Connecting battles to independence
While the book 1776 does not focus specifically on the Declaration of Independence, the battles of 1776 described in the text helped solidify the determination of Americans to be a self-governed people.
